Mountain School 2017

Overview

Mountain School is an
introduction to mountaineering. Rock climbing, snow & glacier travel, crevasse
rescue, map & compass navigation, weather, first aid, and trip planning are just a few of the
topics that will be covered during the 13 week long school.

A solid foundation in
backpacking skills is an admission requirement for Mountain School. Some experience rock climbing is encouraged. If you do not have significant experience in the outdoors, hiking and camping with a 40 liter or larger pack, please consider Backpacking School rather than Mountain School. Both schools are offered by the Spokane Mountaineers each spring.

Mountain
School requires a high level of physical and mental fitness in order
to participate safely and successfully in the outdoor sessions. The school promotes regular exercise and will give opportunities for students to get accustomed to the physical and mental exertions needed in the mountains. Your level of fitness will not only affect your
progress and success, but it will also impact the group as a whole, as students
will be working in teams throughout the course. Start building an endurance base now!

Mountaineering involves a wide variety of risks and rewards, as well as opportunities to have experiences that cannot be found anywhere else.

Mountaineering is many things. It is climbing, panoramic views, and wilderness experience. For many, it is the fulfillment of childhood dreams; for others, an opportunity to grow in the face of difficulty. In the mountains await adventure and mystery and lifetime bonds with climbing partners. The challenge of mountaineering offers you a chance to learn about yourself by venturing beyond the confines of the modern world.

Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 8th Edition

Gear

A detailed list of required gear is available upon request and will be distributed in class. In general, you will need the following gear:

Note: All outdoor sessions and graduation climb will be limited to Mountain School students and instructors unless Directors approve otherwise.

Admission Requirements

Students wishing to
enroll in Mountain School must:

Be
a current member of the Spokane Mountaineers (membership must be paid for the
2017 year)

Have
a good foundation of backpacking and hiking skills.

Own
or have access to or be able to purchase the needed personal climbing equipment
and clothing used for backpacking and mountaineering.

Have
adequate physical conditioning to move up and down steep terrain with a heavy
pack at high altitudes for long periods at a time.

Be
mentally fit and aware of the broad scope and demanding requirements of
mountaineering. Having the ability to
recognize challenges that can be overcome and those that cannot is essential.

Be
at least 15 years of age as of the first class meeting in March, and if under
18, provide a signed parental permission form (available from the
Directors). If the student is under 18,
then the parent of the student must also be actively involved, either as a
student themselves, as an instructor, or active observer. Parent(s) of students under the age of 18 are
required to attend the first class session and meet the Directors.

Be
willing to learn and participate and willing to assist others when you are able.

Be
community and team oriented.

Posses
a willingness to assess your level of conditioning and work with the Directors
and Instructors of the school to address physical or mental difficulties that
may limit your participation.

Graduation Requirements

Attend all outdoor sessions and miss no more than one indoor session.

Take and pass both the practical skills test and the written exam.

Participate in two approved climbs before October 15, 2017. The first of these two climbs will be May 27-29, the last weekend of Mountain School. The second climb will be planned by individual students and approved by the Mountain School Directors.

Earn or show current First Aid certification.

Application Process

The application link below will take you to a form. Please fill this out carefully and completely. Give particular attention to the sections that ask for information about your backpacking and climbing experience.

You will be notified of the status of your application on or around Wednesday, February 1st. If you have been accepted to Mountain School, the email you receive will contain a PayPal link. This link will enable you to pay the $270 course tuition via a credit card or personal PayPal account. Payment is due within five business days of the email notification. Thank you!